London 2012 Olympics fashion latest

Today: The Duchess of Cambridge wears Whistles to the Closing Ceremony and the 'Supers' have landed.

12 August 2012

Photo: AFP

Sunday, August 12.............

KATE WEARS WHISTLES TO CLOSING CEREMONY
She's showed her face at so many Olympic events this past fortnight, it seems the Duchess of Cambridge may have run out of wardrobe options before tonight's Closing Ceremony. Fortunately however, she didn't have to resort to the Team GB polo shirt she has been favouring of late and instead turned to the tried and tested fashion hit she recently sported at the Queen's Diamond Jubilee concert at Buckingham Palace.

The delicately marble patterned blue £150 Whistles dress, (sadly now sold out Kate fans), was first seen nestled beneath a navy McQueen blazer, but got a proper airing tonight as she stood to sing God Save The Queen.

THE SUPERS HAVE LANDED...
Lots more on this to follow, but here's a first look at Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss, Stella Tennant, Karen Elson, Lily Cole, Georgia May Jagger, Lily Donaldson, Jourdan Dunn and Mr David Gandy at the Closing Ceremony. Best look a close call between Stella Tennant and Lily Donaldson from the brief glimpse. Can't wait to see close-ups.

AND THE BRONZER MEDAL GOES TO...
From Laura Trott's mascara to Victoria Pendleton's Middletonian hair, there's serious product on display in the field. There would be. Many female athletes are the faces of big beauty brands: Kerri-Anne Payne's with Max Factor; Pendleton's hair adorns Pantene ads; Jessica Ennis is at Olay; Tonia Couch, the diver, represents Urban Decay; Jenna Randall provides the legs for Braun's silk epilator; Hannah England does the business for Ambre Solaire; volleyball players Denise Johns's and Lucy Boulton's make-up is provided by Clinique… and although no one has inked a contract with those kooky Russian synchronised swimmers Natalia Ishchenko and Svetlana Romashina, it's only a matter of time before one of the more adventurous lines seize their wondrous potential for sporting rainbow make-up.
Lisa Armstrong, fashion editor, The Daily Telegraph.

THE DAILY LOCHTE
It's been, oh, about 24 hours since we last had some Lochte magic for you, and yes, before you write in, we know this has nothing whatsoever to do with fashion, but we see Ryan as one of our people now - he's been on the cover of US Vogue for heaven's sake - so, just deal. Today, Ryan brings us installment one of LochTV - courtesy of Funny Or Die - in which the gold medal winning US swimmer shares his love of peeing in swimming pools. Episode two promises a lesson in how to eat pizza with a diamond grille in your mouth, though sadly, this is most likely a one-off.
Watch the video here

Thursday, August 9.........................

A McQUEEN MOMENT
Jessica Ennis looked pleased to be taking a break from her tracksuit at Omega House last night. Jess showed up to the party in this Alexander McQueen skater dress, which she accessorised with - not the famous gold medal - but a simple black belt and a Mulberry handbag.

BLAKE'S BAD TIMEKEEPING
Yohan Blake the young pretender to Jamaican team mate and fastest man on the planet, Usain Bolt, could be in trouble for wearing a watch not made by an Olympic sponsor. More specifically, a $500,000 watch. Yes, Blake tore down the track in a custom-made timepiece by Richard Mille, but Omega are the official Games timekeeper. He's now being investigated by the IOC. Better watch out…
PHOTO: Reuters

YELLOW SNEAKER FEVER
It seems style trends have a life of their own down at the Olympic Park, and Nike are dominating in the footwear stakes. The brand's neon yellow 'Volt' collection, designed for Team USA, have been hard to miss against the terracotta of the running track.
Meanwhile GB's Perri Drayton-Shakes was spotted sprinting in the Nike x Liberty Zoom Victory Elite Track Spike, which are
still available online
for £150.
PHOTOS: EPA

STELLA'S KIT IS A TOTAL HIT
According to gold medallist rower Pete Reed, all the athletes are envying Team GB's Stella McCartney-designed kit. "Everyone wants it," he told Vogue.com. "Everyone in the Olympic Village wants to trade with us. Lots of other nations look so plain and flat. Our kit is really something to be proud of. I was one of the guys who loved it straight away - it's had a hard time because of the lack of red, but when you look around the village, there really is a lot of that. When we get together as a team, we really stand out."
PHOTO: EPA

LOOK OUT FOR LOCHTE THE FASHION LINE
Prepare to see much more of grill-wearing, Team USA-swimming heartthrob Ryan Lochte. As well as being in talks for several reality TV shows, the gold medallist has received numerous offers to create a fashion line, according to the
Hollywood Reporter
.
Even though his US Vogue cover has been the style bible's worst-selling issue of the year, with five new medals for the cabinet, there really is no stopping America's wonder-boy.
PHOTO: Getty

Wednesday, August 8....................................

SOCKS APPEAL
Those high jumpers like to pull their socks up high, and we award Erik Kynard a gold medal for patriotic pizzaz. Surely we don't need to tell you which country he's representing…?

THE DUCHESS IS A LEOTARD FANPhoto: Jordyn Wieber/Twitter
The Duchess of Cambridge made a beeline for the winning US gymnastics team yesterday, telling them that she loved their snazzy leotards. They quickly reciprocated the compliment by telling her that they loved her style too. Aww. Two very excited Team USA gymnasts tweeted about the encounter afterwards (although neither could quite get her official title right):

TIME FOR RAZZLE-DAZZLE
With their own unique brand of razzle-dazzle, the synchronised swimming teams (above) lend some much-needed sparkle to the Olympic Games. Oh, and tons and tons of clown-esque make-up…
See the best synchronized swimming costumes here

WHAT TO WEAR TO THE OLYMPICS #4...
if you're absolutely raving mad, is this spectator seemingly is...

NAIL TECHNICIANS BEGINNING TO FLAG
If you've noticed how many female athletes have indulged in a spot of nail art at this year's games, you won't be surprised to learn that nail technicians at the P&G salon in the Olympic Village are having to work overtime to cope with demand. "Sunday has been our busiest day so far," confirmed Kathryn Davies, global beauty director for P&G, "we painted more than 1,000 flags on nails across London. We had the British women swimmer, the hockey and football players in here. According to the
Evening Standard
, four technicians are working 12 hour shifts at the salon and a further 10 are based at pop-ups around London to pamper athletes' friends and relatives, as well as members of the public who want a piece of the action.

THE HEIGHT OF SPORT
The Olympics have found themselves another famous fan in the shape of Manolo Blahnik. The designer promised, in an interview with WWD, that he would be tuning in regularly to TV coverage of the games even though his interest lies more in their historic origins. "I love Ancient Greece and everything about it, so I often read books and look at albums full of ancient art, sculpture and architecture," he explained. Whilst these metallic pumps were clearly influenced by bronze, silver and gold medals, Mr. Blahnik assures us that they were also inspired by Greek columns and the Epidaurus amphitheatre.

RYAN LOCHTE GETS ANOTHER GOLD
Well, sort of. Fresh from thrashing his opponents in the pool, Lochte can now thrash his opponents on the pull too thanks to his baby-smooth cheeks, courtesy of Gilette. The shaving brand sent the golden boy a gold-plated and diamond-encrusted set of razors to congratulate him on his medals and to ensure that his infamous grill is framed by a fluff free face. Do we smell a Gilette campaign in the not too distant future for lovable Lochte? The brand do love a sportsman spokesmodel - the swimmer would be following in the footsteps of David Beckham, Roger Federer and Thierry Henry if he was to ink a contract with them.
Photo: Ryan Lochte/Twitter

HAIRY DISPUTES
Gabby Douglas, the Team USA gymnast who won a gold medal last week, has hit out at those criticising her choice of hairstyle. Shortly after her win the 16-year-old, who sports her hair in folded-over ponytail, logged online to find that commentators on Twitter were discussing her choice of clips and wisps of escaped her more than her outstanding achievement."I don't know where this is coming from. What's wrong with my hair?" said Douglas. "I just made history and people are focused on my hair? It can be bald or short, it doesn't matter about [my] hair. Nothing is going to change. I'm going to wear my hair like this during beam and bar finals. You might as well just stop talking about it." Do you think her hair looks like it needs work? At least she wsn't waering a scrunchie…
PHOTO: Reuters

RUNNING IN
HEELS
CHANEL
A gold medal - and gold Chanel for 400m winner Sanya Richards-Ross last night. The Team USA athlete sported interlocking C earrings to take to the track - executing a much chicer style statement than her team-mate DeeDee Trotter (below).
PHOTO: AFP

WHAT TO WEAR TO THE OLYMPICS #3
How about a Union jack onesie? Seemingly inspired by teeny boppers One Direction, these Olympic park goers threw style to the wind in honour of Queen and country. Can't imagine a trip to the loo was much fun though.

DEEDEE'S DOODLES
The iconic stars and stripes of the American flag aren't enough for 400m bronze medal winner DeeDee Trotter - the American took to the track with her temples adorned in intricate, swirly doodles. While we give her top marks for effortlessly blending blue to white and then red, surely 29 is about 19 years too old to be experimenting with stick-on diamantés?
PHOTO: EPA

Friday, August 3....................................

BASKETS OF GLAMOUR
Many women say that they wouldn't leave the house without a slick of red lipstick, and it would seem that French basketballer Emilie Gomis (above) is no different. The basketball kit isn't exactly feminine (those shorts!) but Emilie's scarlet lips are definitely adding a bit of glamour.

BRILLIANT BRAIDS
Check out the braids on Polish gymnast Marta Pihan Kulesza. The 25-year-old leapt through the air with her hair adorned with glittery plaits painted in patriotic style. No wonder she was so smiley - not a scrunchie in sight.
PHOTO: Reuters

HAIR-RAISING
It looks like somebody has been hitting the Olympic Village hair salon. Aussie basketball star Liz Cambage took to the court at London 2012 sporting this Rihanna-esque undercut. It's a fierce look, and one that is sure to intimidate her opponents - that's if her 6 ft 8inch stature doesn't...
PHOTOS: Getty/Reuters

Thursday, August 2..............................

QUICK CHANGE KATE
A busy day for 'Kate Cambridge' at the Olympics required an outfit change. but his being the austerity Duchess, naturally we've seen them both before. To watch Andy Murray win at Wimbledon, she recycled the blue Stella McCartney dress she debuted at the National Portrait Gallery last week, before wheeling over to the velodrome in Stratford in a more relaxed Team GB polo shirt, jeans and those cork wedges she loves so much.
PHOTOS: Getty/AP

STELLA GOES TO THE VELODROME
Stella McCartney has been watching her kit in action today at the Olympic velodrome, or as we like to call it Stella-drome. The designer tweeted "Come on Sir Chris!!! Victoria and Jess we love you!" and the below picture earlier this afternoon. Just a couple of days ago she told the BBC's Gary Lineker that she was particularly impressed by cyclist Victoria Pendelton's rock-hard stomach muscles when she was fitting her for her kit. Wonder if she's copped a feel of those abs in action today?
PHOTO: Stella McCartney/Twitter

BRADLEY WIGGINS AND THE 20 BEST CELEBRITY SIDEBURN SPORTERS
Mutton chops, sidies, furry face-huggers - whatever you call them, sideburns are having a moment thanks to super-cyclist Bradley Wiggins.
We've rounded up the best here...PHOTO REX/Getty

MEANWHILE…
It's been far too long since USA swimming supreme Ryan Lochte graced our blog so we thought we'd sneak in his June US Vogue cover… Lochte is only the fourth man in history to have graced the style bible's cover, and was snapped by Annie Leibowitz, arm-in-arm with footballer Hope Solo and Serena Williams.
Ryan, who has a very, erm, interesting personal style is hoping to eventually pursue a career in fashion, designing "men's clothing with an edgy flair." Well he's already got editor Anna Wintour's seal of approval.

ARCH-CESSORIZE
You may remember from P.E lessons that most sports require you to remove your jewellery, but in archery accessories are no impediment. Competitors have been stacking up bracelets and rings, from pearly charms to wooden beads.
PHOTO: Reuters

WATER BABIES
Not being overly familiar with the world of water polo, we are finding the bonnets sported by the players rather adorable. Apparently the hard-casing around the ears help protect them from the onslaught of a fast-moving ball. Ouch! PHOTOS: AP

Wednesday, August 1..................................

(SIDE)BURN BABY (SIDE)BURN
Ever since he stormed to victory during the Tour De France the UK has had a strange obsession with Bradley Wiggins' lamb-chop sideburns. And now that he's gone and scooped Team GB their second gold medal in the Olympics the obsession has really taken over.
Cue humorous (slightly inapproprate) photoshop-ing of Wiggins' furry face-huggers
onto various other Olympic athletes and public figures. Guffaw. Surely it's only a matter of time before there's a phone app? PHOTO: REX

WE LOVE YOUR VISOR BRADLEY - IS IT MCQUEEN?
Who'd of thought so much "fashion" content could come out of the Olympics, eh? Latest development - Bradley Wiggins channeling
Alexander McQueen's autumn/winter 2012 collection
with his futuristic visor. Ok, ok, we realise Wiggins has probably never heard of McQueen, let alone the occurence of the fledgling visor trend but, frankly, even a whiff of something vaguely fashion related is enough for us. We're very easily pleased.
Photo: AP/VLADIMIR POTOP

ARCHERY: NOT A DISCPILINE FOR THE VAIN
There's no room for a Gurning contest in the Olympic sphere, but we have the archery competitors to thank for a good giggle. Who knew a bow could assist in creating such a photo-ready pout?
PHOTOS: AP/ REUTERS

MODEL ATTENDANCE
We're expecting many a model to take part in the
Olympics Closing Ceremony
on August 12, but we've been suprised to see one already getting into the Games spirit. Israeli model Bar Refaeli (in blue, former squeeze of Leonardo Dicaprio) was in attendance at the men's swimming finals last night with rumoured boyfriend, skateboarder Shaun White. Refaeli posted a series of
twitpics
from inside the aquatics centre, most of which focused on the honed torsos of the swimmers, so we're not sure how focused she actually was on the races. A girl after our own heart. We wonder what she thought of glamorous Stratford?
PHOTO: AFP

ADLINGTON'S SHOE LUST
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge made a surprise visit to the Olympic Village yesterday to meet Team GB, but it was Catherine's shoes that made the biggest 'splash' with bronze medal-winning swimmer Rebecca Adlington. "I just love her shoes. They're much nicer than the sports gear we're wearing this week," she said of the navy suede and cork wedged courts the Duchess was wearing. You can pick up a pair at Russell & Bromley for £245. We already knew Adlington was a shoe lover - she famously rewarded herself for winning two gold medals at the Beijing Olympics with a pair of Jimmy Choos and a pair of Louboutins - and it's nice to know that even the pressure of performing to a HUGE worldwide audience isn't dampening her fashion appetite.
Photo: PA

STELLA ON FORMPhoto: Reuters
Ms McCartney, designer of
Team GB's lovely kit
, popped in for a chat with BBC's Gary Lineker last night. The down-to-earth mother of four again firmly distanced herself from the Elvis-style tracksuits the national team sported at the Opening Ceremony, and said her dad, Sir Paul McCartney was "cool as a cucumber" prior to performing at the huge event last week.Talking about the challenges she faced when designing the kit she revealed: "Tom Daley's little thing, there wasn't a lot of space on there to apply the print!" she giggled, adding that she found the gymnastics leotards "really tough" to execute. Stella, we think you've done a marvellous job.

Tuesday, July 31...........................................................

KEEP AN EYE ON RYAN
It might seem like we're getting a bit obsessed with Ryan Lochte (we are) but when we stumbled across these snazzy sunglasses we couldn't help but share them. With an American flag over your left eye and some vaguely nonsensical words ('Reezy' is Ryan's nickname, 'Jeah' is his versatile catchphrase) over your right eye, this is the perfect way to show your support for the Team USA champion. Who cares if you can't really see where you're going (or you're not even American...)?

MEET TEAM
GB
TELEGRAPH
Rebecca Adlington popped by the office today (above!)… not really! That's Telegraph Fashion editor Belinda White, fooling around in the Adidas by Stella McCartney Team GB jacket. She won't take it off, and has been sighted doing laps around the newsroom…

HERMES-ZING HORSES
Check out the dashing Denis Mesples upon Oregon de la Vigne in his Hermès jacket. France's eventing and show jumping team have been kitted out by the luxury leather house - and the result does not disappoint.
PHOTO: Reuters

WHAT TO WEAR TO THE OLYMPICS #2
If you're scratching round for a suitable get-up for your trip to the Olympic Park, why not take inspiration from this Japanese football fan who painted his face white and adorned his bonce with a pleather skittle. No, us neither...
PHOTO: Getty

KATE'S MEDAL FOR STYLE
The unpredictable British weather means a chic, go-with-anything jacket is a must for any stylish Olympic spectator. This navy Smythe blazer is coming in very handy for the
Duchess of Cambridge
who is in Greenwich to watch Zara Phillips go for gold in the eventing final. We weren't so sure about yesterday's white shirt - it looked a bit like an official Olympic uniform - but today's striped Breton top deserves gold.
PHOTO: Getty/ AFP

FORTIES' FOOTWEAR
In honour of this athletic-themed fortnight, Bolton-based label Walsh are relaunching their casual footwear collection. Founder Norman Welsh (pictured in poster, right) handmade many of the running shoes for the 1948 British Olympic team, and went on to launch his label in the Sixties. All the pairs are made in Britain and retro fans will no doubt be taken by the colourful Harrier style (left) £70; snap them up at the Old Truman's Brewery Sunday Upmarket on August 5 and 11 in east London.

RYAN LOCHTE: STYLIST?
The Team USA gold medal winner (above) has already scored a
Vogue
cover, so appropriately,
Women's Health
asked the buff 27-year-old a fashion-related thing or two. Mr Lochte thinks personal style is: "really important - it's how your personality comes out. I don't have a set style, but I try not to dress like everyone else."
Meanwhile he thinks women look hottest in: "One of my long-sleeve button-down shirts and that's all. The second sexiest thing: white jeans." Excuse us while we picture the scene: us + Ryan + his chlorine-scented shirt = oh, it's all too much…

OLYMPIC INK
Taking part in the Olympics is obviously an achievement to be proud of so it comes as no surprise that some athletes want to show off permanent reminders of their membership to this elite club. Tattoos of the Olympic rings are ubiquitous at London 2012, especially amongst swimmers who have more opportunities than most to show off their body art...
Clockwise from top left: Scott Dickens of Canada (EPA); Alexa Komarnycky of Canada (AP); Unknown (AFP); Jahyn Vittorio Parrinello of Italy (Getty); Dana Vollmer of the USA (AP); Khatuna Lorig of the US (Reuters).

FANCY A CUPPA?
Franziska Goltz of Germany got into the British spirit, nodding to the nation's favourite tipple - a lovely cuppa - by wearing a crocheted tea cosy hat in her Laser Radial class race at Weymouth yesterday - in German colours though, natch.
PHOTO: Reuters

IF CHERYL COLE WAS A CHEERLEADER…
Looks like the girl troupe cheering on the women's preliminary round group B basketball match (Britain vs Canada) looked to pop starlet Cheryl Cole for sartorial inspiration. Their pink trimmings and monochrome hotpants were a blatant riff on the Bertie Basset-style get-up Chezza was captured in back in May. We hope the spectators had sunglasses and girls - remember that fashion mantra: if in doubt, go without - especially when it comes to what Cole is sporting.
PHOTO: AFP

Monday, July 30...........................................................

CINCH IT IN
We told you earlier this month to
ditch those crop tops and stock up on waist-cinching belts
instead for autumn/winter 2012, and it appears Canadian weightlifter Annie Moniqui paid heed to our advice. Although we wouldn't necessarily recommend sporting a leotard with said belt we do admire Moniqui's effort. Full marks.
PHOTO: AP

SCRUNCHIES: STILL GOING STRONG
We thought this was the 2012 Olympics… not 1992… but yes, young gymnasts looking for a bit of 'pizzaz' are still turning to ruched bits of elasticised material favoured by Hillary Clinton to make themselves ooze class. This behaviour is almost forgivable for an impressionable and bendy teenager but at 31, tennis player Serena Williams should know better than to take a gold one to Wimbledon.
PHOTOS: AFP/ EPA/ PA/ REUTERS

PATSY & EDDY DO THE OLYMPICS
In by far the best interview to come out of the Olympics yet, watch
Absolutely Fabulous
' Eddy and Patsy talk McQueen shoes, alternative (illegal) uses for the torch and quaff Champagne straight from the (irresponsibly branded) bottle with Channel 4's Paraic O'Brien. "I was thinking how much more fun it would be if they let people drink in the Olympics, because what ruins sport for me, actually darling, is that everyone's so well hydrated" is just one of the many gems. Enjoy...

BAD SPORTS
No sooner had poor old William Shakespeare been gifted a new titfer as part of the London 2012 'Hatwalk' (see below), then some ungracious swines pinched it. Grazia, who organised the decorating of 21 London landmarks with hats by the nation's finest milliners, are appealing for witnesses, and hopefully the safe return of Emma Fielden's creation.
PHOTO: Getty

WHAT TO WEAR TO THE OLYMPICS #1
No mistaking where snazzy spectator, Dana Kerstein, was off to this morning. If anyone knows where we can procure such a fabulous pair of Elton John-esque bins, please do share. One is off to the hottest ticket in town - AKA France v Russia in the women's basketball preliminary round - and these beauties would be just the ticket.
PHOTO: AP

ALL UP IN RYAN'S GRILLPHOTO: EPA
Our latest crush, Ryan Lochte, is seriously jeopardising his hunk credentials with his love for diamond 'grills'. The American gold medal winner (which he scooped on Saturday after winning the men's 400m individual medley) has a fondness for accessorising his teeth. Patriotically sporting a stars and stripes design, the 27-year-old tried to take to the podium with his grill, but was banned. Burn…

A GLASS EYE?PHOTO: AP
So there is a serious reason why French basketball player Tony Parker was wearing goggles when his team faced the USA on Sunday. A month or so ago, Parker (who you may remember as Eva Longoria's ex-husband) was enjoying a night out in Manhattan when a fight broke out between R&B stars Drake and Chris Brown who were seemingly involved in a love triangle with Rihanna. Parker was caught in the crossfire and shards of glass from a broken bottle damaged his left eye. The goggles are supposed to protect him from any further injury but we think they are also a pretty stylish accessory, adding a hipsterish, geek-chic vibe to the sporty kit. The referee doesn't seem to like them though…

DO THE HATWALKPHOTO: APTo Trafalgar Square
, where a bicorn hat-sporting Lord Nelson kicked off Boris Johnson's 'Hatwalk' initiative in style. Curated by milliner extraordinaires Stephen Jones and Philip Treacy, the London 2012 Festival showcase sees 21 established and emerging millinery talents recreate headwear for some of the capital's most famous hat-wearing statues - including King George IV and Shakespeare.
The hats will be in place around London for the next four days, and life-sized copies of the pieces are on display in BT House at BT London Live in Hyde Park until August 12.
FYI: Nelson's dashing has been updated by Sylvia Fletcher and Lock & Co (the very same milliners that created the original) to include a Union Jack and Olympic flame.

PEDICURE EMERGENCY
Poor Chinese gymnast He Kexin's feet look like they could do with a week of pampering at a luxury spa. The tape binding her ankles is so tight it's cutting into her flesh like razorblades, and while all hope of pretty
pieds
might be long gone, a lick of paint might take the edge off of her long-suffering toenails. Yet another reason why we'll never make Olympic athletes.
PHOTO: Reuters

HEADY, STEADY, GO....!
How's this for a warm-up hat? 100m backstroke swimmer Yuanhui Fu of China put the fun in poolside chic as she arrived for her race in this unmissable design, which came complete with chin-dangling pom-poms.
PHOTO: EPA

WHEN ART IMITATES SPORT
Just how adorable is the customised piece of kit sported by South Korea's Hyeonju Choi? The 27-year-old toted her bow with a body shield adorned with a thick-fringed cartoon character toting a bow and arrow with calm pride.
PHOTO: EPA

WHEN ONE HAIRCLIP IS NOT ENOUGH
Why wear one hairclip on the court when you can wear 25? We're thinking perhaps this clip-crazy lady from Turkey's volleyball team has some sort of lucky ritual around the colours and placement of her hair accoutrements. Either that or she got a buy one get 10 free deal at Accessorize on her way through Heathrow.
PHOTO: AFP

SAUNDERS FOR SANDE
Although we were captivated by Emeli Sande's stunning voice during her surprise performance of
Abide With Me
, we couldn't help noticing her elegant turquoise dress. Jonathan Saunders, the man behind the understated creation, was understandably excited to be part of the Opening Ceremony. "It was a real pleasure to work with Emeli Sande" said the designer, adding that Emeli is "somebody who is very sure about what she wants which is not heavily embellished or girly. We ended up with something appropriate and cool."
PHOTO: AFP

FASHION'S FINEST HIT STRATFORD
Perhaps it's the lure of the new Westfield shopping behemoth, but London's previously unfashionable postcode of E20 had a surge of glamour on Friday night as supermodel Lara Stone and designer Stella McCartney dropped in for the Opening Ceremony. Of course, Stella was officially there in her capacity as Team GB kit designer, and daughter of the closing act. Unofficially she was there to tell as many people as possible that she did not, repeat DID NOT design the Team GB Opening Ceremony uniforms. GOT IT?!
PHOTOS: Twitter

OPENING CEREMONY FASHION VERDICT
The Opening Ceremony provided the greatest stage on earth for many of the designers behind the Olympic uniforms on Friday night. Here's our verdict on the fashion hits and misses:

Labels at the ready: the tiny team of
San Marino
(top left) were elegantly kitted out in cream Salvatore Ferragamo crepe dresses - but what one earth were the team carrying in those handbags? The
Italians'
(top right) blazers and stripy ties meanwhile - courtesy of Giorgio Armani - had a distinctly high school feel to them. A gold medal for 'Absolute Preppiness' went to
Team USA
, who, in ankle socks and white brogues, looked cookie-cutter cute.
PHOTOS: EPA

…Meanwhile
Team GB
were outfitted by high street retailer Next for their Opening Ceremony Elvis tribute, erm we mean parade, and not by kit designer Stella McCartney. So embarrassed was the designer by the possible discrepancy (who can blame her?) she issued a statement clearly explaining as much.
PHOTO: EPA

CZECH REPUBLIC
Artistic merit:
4
Execution:
3
What the? Seriously, we know it rains a lot in London, but wellies?! Back to fashion school.
PHOTO: AFP

BULGARIA
Artistic merit:
8.3
Execution:
8.8
Gingham blazers and coordinating flat caps? Not a look for everyone, but the Bulgarian boys more than pulled it off.
PHOTO: AFP

GERMANY
Artistic merit:
3
Execution:
3.5
It's most satisfying to report that not only are we ahead of Germany in the medal table, we narrowly beat them in the Opening Ceremnoy fashion stakes too. No mean feat considering how terrible Team GB looked in their Elvis shell suits. Germany might want to rethink the pac-a-macs before Rio 2016...
PHOTO: AP

BERMUDA
Artistic merit:
9
Execution:
9.5
One of the best turned out team of the Opening Ceremony, how swish did the Bermuda boys look in their red shorts, knee socks and shiny shoes? Very.
PHOTO: AP

EL SALVADOR
Artistic merit:
8
Execution:
6.5
El Salvador's dip-dyed 'jackigans' stood out from the crowd but the girls could have gained more 'execution' points i they'd dip-dyed their hair to match a la Prada's autumn/winter 2012 models.
PHOTO: AFP

IRELAND
Artistic merit:
6.5
Execution:
7
Ireland could perhaps have put a tad more pizazz into their outfits, but on balance the green baseball jacket and grey trouser combo was very on trend.
PHOTO: PA

DENMARK
Artistic merit:
7.9
Execution:
9.5
Denmark's ladies looked like they had been dressed by COS, the Scandi high street favourites who know a thing or two about delivering stylish separates with clean and simple lines and minimal fuss. Mind you, most of these girls could have turned up in a paper bag and still look incredible.
PHOTO: Reuters.

HONG KONG
Artistic merit:
7.5
Execution:
7
The Hong Kong team were reminiscent of Wimbledon officials in their smart white blazers. Not the most exciting uniform, but sometimes it's best not to try too hard and stick with classics.
PHOTO: Getty

SPAIN
Artistic merit:
5
Execution:
7
The pink bobbed wig might have seemed like a good idea at the time, and he did wear it with gusto, but you've got to wonder what this Olympian will think of his fashion statement when he's an old man looking back on the glory days of his career...
PHOTO: Reuters

Friday July 27...........................................................

KATE WEARS KANE
It's late in the evening/morning now, but we're fairly sure this is the Duchess of Cambridge's first outing in what is perhaps London's coolest label, Christopher Kane. Her pastel blue satin coat dress made her the chicest ice princess at Buckingham Palace, and the Opening Ceremony.

Kate poses with the President of Mongolia, Elbegdorj Tsakhia (left) and Erdene Elbegdorj. PHOTO: Reuters

MOBAMA WEARS MENDEL
That's J.Mendel people, the US label which has become the red carpet's new best friend. Accompanied by ambassador to the UK, Louis Susman, to a reception at Buckingham Palace, the First Lady looked, well, impeccably flawless, super-chic and effortless as ever. Sigh...

PHOTO:Reuters

LOOK! SWIMMING'S FUN!
The USA Swim team are the latest gaggsters to jump on the Carley Rae Jepsen 'Call Me Maybe' parody bus. Starring a cameo by no.1 dish Ryan Lochte, it's worth a couple of minutes of your time just to marvel at the plane scene. Those girls sure are brave...

CHEERS BUT NO CHEERS...
These rather excited ladies from the University of Florida marching band were on hand to perform during Michelle Obama's 'Let's Move-London' event at the Winfield House today. We're sure their routine looks more impressive with moving pictures, but we're not convinced by their seriously un-sexy, thick, flesh-coloured body stockings. Do all American cheerleaders wear these? If so, we feel cheated. This is NOT the image we cheerleader-light Brits have come to associate with the bouncy US sport-bunnies.

PHOTO: AFP

MICHELLE OBAMA TOUCHES DOWN IN LONDON TOWN
Mrs O is in the house. The First Lady, who is in charge of the US Presidential Delegation to the Olympic Games, immediately made her way over to Team USA'a training camp to give a rousing speech to her country's sporting hopefuls. "I can't believe I am here, I am beyond proud. I can't begin to tell you how amazing it is for me to be leading the delegation," she said. "Some of my fantastic memories growing up, and even as an adult, involved watching the Olympics on TV." She chose a red, white and navy ensemble, causing many to comment that she "looked like the American flag". We think that's a crude way of saying she was patriotic in her style choice. Well done Mrs O.

LUCKY PANTS?
Can British diver Tom Daley get any cuter? Here he is at practice today sizing up a pair of Dangermouse pants. If these are his lucky pants, you have to wonder how he fits them under those tiny trunks…

PHOTO: PA

GET A FIGURE LIKE FEDERICA?
Yesterday we were gazing admiringly at Federica Pellegrini's perfect swimsuit figure. Could this compression suit she gamely donned after training today be the cause? Yes, alright, she probably swims about 20 miles a day, but if this sexy baby is going to give us thighs anywhere close to Federica's, we'll be wearing them to work by week's end.

PHOTO: AP

WHEN IN ROME
It's nice to see that the Italian swimming team is entering into the Great British spirit of the Olympics. Women's 400m Individual Medley competitor, Stefania Pirozzi slipped into a Union Jack onesie, emblazoned with 'God Save The Queen' for training at the Aquatics Centre today. But so as not to bruise national pride, she still managed to pledge allegiance to her homeland with her Italian flag manicure.

Stefania Pirozzi at the pool. PHOTO: Reuters

TELL ME ABOUT IT, STUD
The royal blue jeans worn by the Duchess of Cambridge at last night's Olympic Torch visit to Buckingham Palace were so good, they were electrifying! The whole look, complete with zips up the back of the legs and cork wedges, brought to mind Olivia Newton John in the closing scenes of Grease in those iconic tight black satin pants which she had to be sewn into. Is Kate about to have a Sandy moment and re-emerge in a slutty ensemble and scarlet lips, puffing on a fag? Highly doubtful, but we'd love to see her with a head of tumbling curls.

The Duchess of Cambridge's blue jeans; Olivia Newton John and John Travolta in Grease. PHOTOS: AFP/REX

THE OLYMPICS = THE PERFECT EXCUSE TO GO SHOPPING...
From Isabel Marant's 'Beckett' wedge hi-tops (above) in red, white and blue to Proenza Schouler's limited edition gold PSII bag, we bring you the very best
Olympics-inspired fashion buys
. On your marks, get set, shop!

SAM CAM LOOKS V GLAM TO GREET THE TORCH
How great did Samantha Cameron look at 10 Downing Street last night to greet the Olympic flame? The summer 2012 look from London Fashion Week design duo Peter Pilotto was trimmed to perfection with a nude belt and her preferred shoe - a round-toed platform court (style tip from the Duchess there readers). We just wish she would push those shoulders back a bit to do this fabulous look due justice.

Thursday July 26...........................................................

PATSY AND EDDY TAKE THE FLAME
Our favourite fictional fashion duo, AKA Joanna Lumley and Jennifer Saunders, carried the Olympic flame between the boroughs of Lambeth and Kensington & Chelsea, taking it for a trip down the King's Road, the pair's home turf. Patsy paired her standard issue tracksuit with some surprisingly sensible Reebok trainers while Eddy went for a pair of red, white and blue heels.

Their part in the Olympic flame's prolific journey comes after the special Olympic episode of
Absolutely Fabulous
screened earlier this week, featuring a guest appearance from Team GB kit designer Stella McCartney.

Top left: Giles spring/summer 2011; bottom: Jennet Saryyeva of Turkmenistan trains in the pool at the Aquatics Centre at the Olympic Park. PHOTO: Michael Sohn/AP

TRENDING: HAIR 'MARES
You know what they say - three's a trend... Perusing the influx of Olympics pics that feed through to Telegraph Fashion HQ, we've noticed a lot of hair preening going on. As any long-haired lady will know, sport and hair generally don't mix, and as hard as you try, that elastic hair band will wiggle it's way out of your pony as soon a a bit of exertion occurs. Winner of the best hair 'mare (so far) has to be Venus Williams and her face-slapping locks (although she does get bonus point for the red and blue hair, tres patriotic)...

WHERE DOES HE BUY HIS JEANS?!
We couldn't help but notice German cyclist Robert Foerstemann's MASSIVE thighs. We're guessing he has to wear his lycra duds all the time because we doubt even High & Mighty could outfit those beasts. Maybe he should give Paul Smith a call?

Photo: AP

THE DUCHESS OF CAMBRIDGE LOOKS CHIC WHILST PLAYING SPORT
The Duchess chose a £35 dress from the Hobbs sale to undertake her first official Olympics outing to Bacon's College in London's Rotherhithe. Ever the good sport, she played some table tennis, football and had a go at judo, and managed to look impeccable when most of us would look a little sweaty and flustered.

BIG MAC, SMALL FRIES PLEASE
We'd look as glum as Spanish canoeist Saúl Craviotto if we had to wear this for the next fortnight. The Spanish uniform has been designed by Russian firm Bosco, and as one fashion wag commented "looks like someone's barfed on a McDonald's uniform". However, before we feel too sorry for them, let's remember that Spain won Euro 2012 and the World Cup. You win some...

Photo: @Saul_Craviotto

PELLEGRINI GOES PUCCI-ESQUE
We'll have to wait until tomorrow's Opening Ceremony to get a good look at all of the team kits, many of which have been created by world-famous designers, so until then we're keeping our eyes peeled for snazzy unofficial athlete outfits. Italian swimmer Federica Pellegrini has caught our eye with this Pucci-esque number (although we're sure it looks all the more appealing thanks to her sporty bod).